College Student Storage Solutions

College Student Storage Solutions

Back to School: College Student Storage Solutions

You have officially graduated from high school and now it is time for you to prepare to embark on a new journey in life. As you get ready to venture off to your first year of college, you are also preparing for the biggest challenge of them all, living on your own. Over the next 4+ years, you will probably move more than you ever had before. As you move from dorm to apartment, it is important to remember that every square foot counts. That is why it is essential you plan a proactive approach to your organization and storage because whether you realize it or not, storage will play a huge role during your college years. But have no worries, U-Lock Mini Storage has the solutions to all your student storage needs…

1. Make your checklist.

  • What you need to bring.
  • What large items or appliances you need.
  • What extra storage you may need.
  • How the room should be set up to optimize space.

2. Declutter.

First, you may start off with a few things, like some clothes, a computer and printer, toiletries, maybe a mini fridge or TV, but then you will start accumulating textbooks and school supplies and memorabilia, all the while, trying to adjust to sharing a small space with possibly one or more roommates. When space starts to run out, it is a good idea to begin to plan for the next semester. Make two lists: “Keep” and “Declutter.” The first list should include all the items you will need for the following semester, and the other should include a list of all the items you have decided you no longer need or want to keep.

Domain idea for students
  • Sell your old textbooks. When the textbooks start to pile up, sell or donate them before starting the new semester.
  • Donate or throw away those old clothes taking up unnecessary room in your closet. Donate them to charities or look for a donation box around campus.
  • Sell or donate what you no longer want or need, such as furniture, appliances, or sporting equipment, to name a few. Inquire with your student union for any bulletin boards or online University group pages or forums you may post on to sell your items.
  • Don’t procrastinate, if you have anything that is broken, damaged or old,
    let it go!

3. Get a storage unit.

Rent U-Lock Mini Storage Unit

Instead of trying to cart all your belongings back home and trying to clear enough space for them for just a few months, inquire with your local storage provider about getting a storage unit. Storage units can solve the problem of clutter and are a great option to keep all your worldly possessions safe without the hassle. If you are a student on a budget, look for a heated storage provider that offers a month-to-month lease and has top-notch security. Do not forget to declutter and organize your items first, otherwise, before you know it, your unit will be full of items you will not know what to do with. Store only what you know you will need for the following year.

So, what size storage unit will be ideal for a student? We recommend either a 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit:

  • 5×5 units are equivalent in size to a small closet and are recommended for boxed personal effects, books, seasonal clothing, or 3-5 loads in a standard sedan trunk.
  • 5×10 units are equivalent in size to a walk-in closet and are recommended for extra office furnishings, furniture, sports equipment, bicycles, mattresses, appliances, or 1-2 loads in a standard cargo van.

4. Organize your space.

Try to assess your new space before buying storage and organization items. If you can, give yourself a few weeks to adjust and establish a routine so you can better plan how to maximize your space.

Here are some of our storage solutions to help you plan ahead and easily maximize your living space to make your life a little easier:

Vertical space

  • Over-the-door storage shelves are easy to install and provide plenty of storage to keep your floors and countertops clutter-free. Customize them with different sizes of baskets to store your shoes, toiletries, hats, socks, and even food.

Wall space

  • Bulletin boards, cubby shelves, wire baskets, and adhesive hooks can be used to hang things like jewelry, coats, bags, and umbrellas to keep your desk clear for studying.

Closet Space

  • Hanging closet organizers are a great way to keep your closet organized and tidy with different compartments to store your folded sweatshirts, pants, towels, hats, shoes, and accessories.
  • Tension rods are an inexpensive solution that can be used in a variety of ways. Use them inside your closet or small spaces around your place to create additional storage to hang clothes, charge chords, belts, and shoes.

Under the bed

  • Bed risers lift your bed off the ground to create valuable storage space for plastic storage bins, boxes, or drawers. If you are feeling self-conscious about your under bed storage, you can add a bed skirt to your bed to hide it.

Lighting

  • Clip lights can be used to replace floor and desk lamps to free up additional living space. Attach them to bookshelves, headboards, or overhead shelves.

Check out this list of schools near U-Lock Mini Storage facilities

U-Lock Mini Storage
1270 Alberni Hwy, Parksville, BC

U-Lock Mini Storage
4388 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo, BC

U-Lock Mini Storage
1621 Island Hwy, Victoria, BC

U-Lock Mini Storage
15028 32nd Avenue Surrey, BC

U-Lock Mini Storage
4240 Manor St, Burnaby, BC